Rep. Bill Schuette

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposes changing Michigan's education governance structure. It would shift the appointment of the state superintendent of public instruction from the state board of education to the governor (with Senate consent) starting January 1, 2027. Additionally, it requires state board of education members to be elected by district rather than at-large beginning in 2027. The superintendent would chair the board without voting rights, and the governor would serve as an ex-officio board member without a vote. This directly affects the governor, superintendent position, and state board of education members.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4443 establishes a new "disabled veteran's homestead specific tax" on properties currently exempt from general property taxes. Beginning January 1, 2026, this tax will apply to homesteads owned by disabled veterans or their surviving spouses. The tax amount is calculated based on what would have been owed in general property taxes, then discounted (reduced) according to the veteran's disability severity rating, potentially reducing the tax to zero for those with the highest disability ratings. Unpaid specific taxes are subject to the same forfeiture and foreclosure processes as delinquent general property taxes.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4444 amends Michigan's general property tax act to modify property tax exemptions for homesteads owned by disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill outlines the application process for these exemptions and specifies that those granted on or after January 1, 2025, will remain in effect without requiring reapplication. It also introduces methods for prorating the exemption if the property is not used as a homestead for the entire tax year. Additionally, the bill clarifies that properties exempt under this section will be subject to a specific disabled veteran's homestead tax, which will also be prorated accordingly.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4340 amends Michigan's social welfare act to establish new eligibility requirements for state programs. The bill prohibits individuals from receiving services, grants, or participating in programs under this act unless they are a United States citizen or a "qualified alien." The term "qualified alien" refers to specific immigration statuses as defined by federal law. This restriction applies to state social welfare programs, with exceptions if federal law dictates otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 4341 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. It adds a new section that restricts eligibility for services, grants, or participation in programs under the act. Unless otherwise provided by federal law, individuals must be either a United States citizen or a "qualified alien" to receive these benefits. The bill defines "qualified alien" by referencing an existing federal statute (8 USC 1641).

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4342 amends Michigan's state revenue sharing act, introducing a new condition for withholding state funds from local governments. Beginning October 1, 2025, the state treasurer would withhold all revenue sharing payments from any city, village, township, or county. This would occur if the local government enacts or enforces a law, ordinance, policy, or rule that violates the "local government sanctuary policy prohibition act" or the "county law enforcement protection act." Payments would be withheld for as long as the violating policy remains in effect. This bill is tied to the enactment of House Bills 4338 and 4339.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 79 declares May 2025 as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution aims to increase public understanding of Lyme disease and formally recognizes the Michigan Lyme Disease Association.

Maddy summaryHB 4338, the "Local Government Sanctuary Policy Prohibition Act," prohibits Michigan cities, townships, and their agencies from creating or enforcing policies that prevent local officials from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires local governments to comply with the law within 60 days and allows residents or the state attorney general to sue if a local policy violates it. If a court finds a violation, it can order the policy repealed, issue an injunction against enforcement, and award damages and attorney fees to the winning party. The law directly affects all local government entities and their employees who interact with federal immigration officials.

Maddy summaryHB 4288 prohibits Michigan state agencies from hiring for unclassified positions based on factors other than objective merit, such as education or work experience. It directly affects state agencies hiring for roles outside the classified civil service (e.g., certain executive branch positions). The bill requires hiring decisions to rely solely on merit-based criteria and imposes civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, with the attorney general authorized to collect penalties. This legislation creates new requirements for state hiring practices under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHB 4339, the "County Law Enforcement Protection Act," prohibits counties from enacting or enforcing any local law, ordinance, policy, or rule that restricts peace officers or local officials from communicating with federal authorities about an individual’s immigration status in Michigan. It directly affects county governments, local law enforcement, and residents by requiring counties to eliminate existing restrictive policies within 60 days and preventing new violations. The bill establishes legal remedies, allowing residents or the attorney general to sue counties that violate it, with courts able to order policy changes, issue injunctions, and award damages or attorney fees. It does not alter immigration enforcement but ensures local officials can cooperate with federal immigration authorities without county restrictions.